Three Rivers Chrysler Jeep Dodge, LLC

Teen Driver Responsibility

By the time your teen hits 13 or 14 years old, they’re already thinking ahead to driving.  As a parent, you might be thinking about this too. This is a great age to start talking to your teens about all the responsibilities associated with driving.  It’s also a good time to be a good driving example.


 

Be The Safe Driving Example


 

Drive how you’d want your teen to drive.


 

  • Don’t check your phone while driving or ask your teen to check your phone.

  • If you need to make a phone call or check a text use the hands-free option or pull off in a safe area.

  • Pay attention to speed limits and talk to your teen about why speed limits may be set in different areas (school zones, main roads through small towns, etc)

  • Talk to them about what the different signs mean and what to do.  

  • Make sure everyone always buckles up in the vehicle and talk to them about why it’s important.


 

Have Them Help With Car Care


 

This helps your teen to understand there is more to driving and vehicle ownership than just having a license and putting gas in the car.  


 

  • Teach them how clean your vehicle inside and out.  

  • Show them how to tell if a tire needs air.

  • Take them with you to the auto parts store so they can see prices on regular maintenance items like headlights, oil filters, etc.

  • Teach them how to change a tire

  • Teach them how to put air in tires to the proper pressure.


 

Don’t Hide the Cost


 

Teens don’t often realize the full financial responsibility of driving.  Things like car insurance, car payments, gas, regular maintenance, and emergency repairs can really add up and leave a person in sticker shock.  While it will start with car care, the financial planning aspect can carry over to other areas of life.


 

  • Take your teen with you when talking to your agent about adding them to the car insurance. You can get an estimate ahead of time.

  • Show them the bill from the auto mechanic

  • Talk them about how much it costs to fill your vehicle up with gas.


 

Have Your Teen Take On Some Financial Responsibility


 

This can be hard as often they are still in school.  Having them pay something towards car insurance every month, even if it’s only $5 will get them used to the idea of recurring bills.  This is also a good start to learning to pay bills on time without the heavy consequences adults have. Alternatively asking them to put gas in the vehicle if it gets below half a tank can help them with planning as well.  Don’t overburden your teen with expenses though.


 

Using some of these tips will not only teach your teen about driver responsibilities but can carry over with financial responsibility and personal responsibility.